In one of the largest supermarket chains in Ukraine, ATB, there is an opportunity that not everyone knows about. In the chain's stores, customers can use the restroom. To do this, you need to ask the staff.
A network employee confirmed this possibility in a comment to the Telegraph. According to him, if you ask the staff to use the restroom, in most cases they will not refuse.
The source explained that new and renovated stores have separate bathrooms for employees and visitors. Therefore, children, the elderly, or other shoppers who urgently need to use the toilet can ask employees for help.
However, this possibility depends on the specific store and the availability of appropriate conditions. However, if a person arouses suspicion, they may be denied access to the restroom.
Note that this is not the only "trick" of the ATB chain that is not widely known. For example, in some stores, especially those with a coffee machine, you can get free ice with your coffee.
Earlier, “Telegraph” reported that there are ATBs in Ukraine that work at night. They work in the Transcarpathian region, where there is no curfew. At the same time, night shifts may also be available in the chain’s supermarkets in other regions.
Let's figure out how this and other little-known services in ATB work, and what are the nuances here.
Free restroom at ATB: how does it work?
Although supermarkets are not required to allow outsiders into their premises, the ATB chain does have an internal loyalty to customers in this matter.
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Where does it work? The easiest way to use the service is to new or recently renovated stores (so-called "black" ATBs). During their design and modernization, separate bathrooms are usually provided not only for staff, but also for visitors.
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Who will be let in without any problems? The staff almost always accommodates children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those who suddenly feel unwell.
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Why might they refuse? Firstly, old ("blue") stores may not physically have a separate toilet for customers, and security rules prohibit allowing outsiders into the closed service area. Secondly, if a visitor behaves inappropriately or arouses suspicion among security guards, he will most likely be refused entry.
Advice: If you have such a delicate need, do not try to find a toilet on your own (this will arouse the suspicion of security). It is better to politely contact the cashier, administrator, or security guard at the entrance.
Free ice and other network "tricks"
In addition to the restroom, ATB has several other interesting services that only the most attentive customers know about:
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Ice for drinks: In stores with self-service coffee machines, special ice generators are often installed in the summer. Customers can take a glass of ice absolutely free of charge to make their espresso or Americano into a refreshing "ice coffee" drink.
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24-hour stores without curfew: In Transcarpathia (where there is currently no curfew), ATB supermarkets operate as usual 24/7. In other regions, night shifts also exist, but exclusively for maintenance, receiving goods, and packaging — shoppers are not allowed there at this time for security reasons.
